The Gujarat government on Monday announced a major restructuring of its public healthcare governance system with the formation of Urban Jan Arogya Samitis and the reorganisation of existing Rogi Kalyan Samitis. The initiative is aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery, improving transparency, and enhancing community participation under the broader framework of the Ayushman Bharat programme.

The move comes alongside the transition of Urban Health Centres under the Ayushman Bharat programme into Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which are designed to function as comprehensive healthcare hubs. State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said these centres will go beyond basic treatment and provide preventive, curative, promotive, rehabilitative, and palliative care services. The objective, he said, is to bring quality healthcare closer to citizens and reduce dependency on higher medical facilities for primary health needs.

Under the new structure, Urban Jan Arogya Samitis will be formed at the local level, with elected ward members acting as chairpersons and medical officers serving as member secretaries. The government has also allocated untied annual funds of ₹1,75,000 for Urban Primary Health Centres and ₹1,00,000 for Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. These funds are intended to give local institutions greater operational flexibility in addressing immediate healthcare requirements.

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The committees will be designed to ensure broad social representation, with at least 50 per cent participation from women to prioritise maternal and child health concerns. Membership will also include representatives from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minority communities, self-help groups, resident welfare associations, and education departments. In addition, TB survivors, cancer survivors, persons with disabilities, and transgender individuals will be included as special invitees to ensure inclusive decision-making in public health governance.

Officials said the committees will meet every month, with detailed records of proceedings maintained to ensure accountability and transparency. Non-government members will serve a two-year term, allowing for continuity while encouraging community engagement. The government believes this decentralised model will enable quicker resolution of local health issues and improve service delivery outcomes at the grassroots level.

This latest reform builds on earlier steps taken in 2022, when Jan Arogya Samitis were first introduced at rural sub-health centres and Rogi Kalyan Samitis at primary health centres were restructured. Authorities said the expanded urban framework now completes a broader shift towards community-driven healthcare governance in Gujarat, with a focus on efficiency, inclusivity, and improved public health outcomes.

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